O Barco De Valdeorras offers several starting points for planning your trip: the Camino de Invierno, trails along the Sil and historic buildings. Information about walks can help you weigh up different distances and levels of difficulty; there are also nature destinations, local history and seasonal events.
Walking Trails and Nature along the Sil
The Camino de Invierno passes through Éntoma on its way to O Barco, crosses the town centre and leaves the town via A Proba. The Sobradelo–O Barco section is listed as 7.9 kilometres, with a moderate level of difficulty and an estimated walking time of about two hours. This time should be regarded as an estimate. A signposted walking trail also leads from O Barco to the monastery of Xagoaza.
A riverside walking path along the Sil runs from the Camino Real to A Proba. The Salgueiral recreation area can be reached via a footbridge over the Sil. Colonies of ducks, herons and storks live there. For travellers who want to include wildlife watching in their plans, both the riverside paths and the named bird groups provide useful points of reference.
Another hiking destination is the Pincheira de Portomao: the waterfall plunges more than 20 metres down a slate wall covered in ferns. The trail from the village of Fervenza to the Pincheira de A Fervenza (Portomao) is just over four kilometres long, there and back, and is rated as low in difficulty. The routes described therefore differ considerably: the Camino section is listed as taking around two hours and having a moderate level of difficulty, while the waterfall walk is a shorter return route with a low difficulty rating.
Squares and Architectural Heritage
In the historic Casco Vello district, the triangular Plaza Mayor opens towards the Sil; it is considered the symbolic centre of the town. The red Casino building in O Barco dates from 1910 and shows Art Nouveau influences. These two details offer different perspectives on the town: the square is defined by its shape and orientation, while the Casino stands out for its architecture and date.
O Castro also has its own historic features. The historic centre is known for a group of rock-cut cellars. The Torre de O Castro has terraces from which visitors can view the tower and its surroundings.
The Church of San Miguel de Xagoaza has Romanesque origins dating to the 12th and 13th centuries and retains a semicircular apse. The restored San Miguel de Xagoaza also has a small cloister, glazed wooden galleries and rooms for exhibitions and lecture series. When choosing cultural highlights, you can therefore take into account both older architectural features and later restoration, as well as the intended cultural uses.
Events and Trip Planning
The Festa do Botelo takes place in late January and celebrates pig slaughtering and the Botelo product. Exact dates vary from one edition to another. The Descenso del Sil canoe competition takes place as part of the Fiestas del Cristo and has been held for more than 50 years. The Fiestas del Cristo are associated with 14 September; the event programme and sporting conditions may vary. If you are planning your trip around a festival, check the dates and programme details for the relevant edition.
O Barco can be reached by bus, by train on the Palencia–A Coruña route and by car via the N-120. Check current connections before departure. Then compare the location of a specific accommodation with your planned destinations and chosen mode of transport.
Discover more destinations: Boborás, Xinzo De Limia, Cortegada, A Vilavella, Entrimo, A Arnoia, Carballal, As Ferreiras.
For the regional travel overview: Ourense.
